The Chrysler Portal, an electric-powered concept mini-van focused toward the millennial generation, is seen with its sliding side doors opened.

Alex Wong, Getty Images

The Chrysler Portal, an electric-powered concept mini-van focused toward the millennial generation, is unveiled during a press event for CES 2017 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Alex Wong, Getty Images

The side mirror is replaced with a camera on the Chrysler Portal, an electric-powered concept mini-van focused toward the millennial generation.

Alex Wong, Getty Images

The interior of the Chrysler Portal, an electric-powered concept minivan focused toward the millennial generation.

Alex Wong, Getty Images

The Fiat Chrysler Portal Concept car is unveiled during the Fiat Chrysler press conference at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES2017) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images

All-electric minivan is just a concept but shows the regard FCA has for generation's upcoming buying power

by
David Booth | January 4, 2017

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What is it?

Officially, Chrysler’s Portal Concept is “a forward-thinking interpretation of the ‘fifth generation’ of family transportation focused toward the Millennial generation”. That means it looks like a further melding of the minivan and the SUV, the stylistic emphasis on the brutish while still maintaining the efficient space utilization of its trademark “Magic Wagon”. More startlingly, it’s designed exclusively for Millennials; we old timers need not apply. And, if you’re thinking that’s what Honda said about its 2005 Element – which ended up just being a low-cost, four-passenger minivan alternative – think again.

How does it work?

First off, it’s electric powered, FCA claiming the Portal will be good for 400 kilometres on a single charge and be able to replenish its batteries to the tune of 240 klicks with just 20 minutes of 350 kilo-watts of DC fast charging. FCA is also promising SAE Level III autonomy — essentially what the best luxury cars are offering today — and an in-vehicle wireless system that seamlessly integrates mobile devices into the car and the cloud.

But we’ve heard all that before. What we haven’t seen is what Chrysler is calling the Portal’s “third space,” and open and serene atmosphere that Chrysler promises “bridges work and home”. In layman’s terms, that means expanding on the incredible flexibility of the company’s minivans. Seats can be folded, moved fore and aft, or removed altogether with the greatest of ease. Reliance on electricity for motivation helps here, the low, completely flat floor enhancing space utilization and seating flexibility. Third space’s crowning touch, however, is that multiple screen can be positioned throughout the third space, Millennials seemingly getting antsy if they’re not within finger reach of a touchscreen.

When is it coming?

The Portal is very much a concept. FCA is a very conservative company and almost assuredly won’t produce anything that looks this futuristic. In other words, the Portal is more important for whom it means to attract – again, if you missed it, Millennials – than what it is.

Should you buy it?

Well, if you’re a Millennial, FCA wants to know what you think of the Portal. Otherwise, bugger off. Indeed, according to FCA, Millennials have become the largest demographic in North America and notes that “in ten years, one in three drivers will be a Millennial at the peak of starting/having their own family.” Millennials also “have clearly defined that they want a vehicle that will grow with them as they experience life changes,” says Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America, further noting “FCA is already a leader in family transportation and it was essential that we fully explored the idea of what a vehicle could look like for this emerging generation.” In other words, if you don’t own the collected works of Drake and Lady Gaga, you’re not Portal material.